Tomas Martin Lopez debuts at #14 on the NACC Top 30 Latin Chart

The nexus between American jazz and Afro-Latino rhythmic traditions has always been a rich and fertile zone. When musicians are deeply rooted and nourished by those traditions, they are able to launch their jazz explorations in ways that both fascinate the knowing listener and incite the joyful dancer. No matter how they stretch and texture their improvisations, at the core is a primordial pulse… a divine heart beat… a rhythm rising.

The rhythm has no past, present or future. It can be layered with electric piano, muted trumpet, distorted guitar or wailing saxophone… and still it rises. The rhythm can be pushed to mambo madness, smoothed to bossa nova coolness or cajoled into a sassy cha-cha, and still it rises. It can be propelled back to an ancient 6/8 güiro, spiced up with a fiery bomba, or caressed into a sensual bolero… and still it rises.

This collective of seasoned musicians delivers beautifully on the promise of the album’s title. The abiding respect they have for the Afro-Latino rhythms is amply demonstrated in the authenticity with which they are played and built upon. They artfully interact, support and push each other in a spirit of comradery. The result is a lovingly arrayed collection of mostly original compositions by contemporary composers who are also virtuosic players performing on this recording.

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About me

Founded by Kari Gaffney in 1988, Kari-On Productions was created by musicians for musicians to give an even footing in the ever changing, ever-evolving music fabric. Music has expanded its ability and definition of “broadcasting,” and so have we. A 21st century way of thinking, we don’t look in the rear view mirror; we keep our eyes on the road ahead so we can watch the trends and keep you #trending.